I have been to Kew Gardens twice, once in summertime and once in wintertime. As I come from a country which enjoys exceptionally mild winters I couldn't have really imagined that seasonal differences would be so extreme. But they were indeed. Behold - Do not visit Kew Gardens in the winter! It is a relatively long ride from central London, costly tickets and in the winter, a dreary atmosphere and a vacant expression. Not very rewarding, to say the least. Conversely, a summer visit is a lovely experience! For the merits of the gardens do read other comments.